Pasadena Endoscopy Center

Best place for a colonoscopy. Staff are the best.

I was here 10 years ago and had a most positive experience.
Unfortunately, today was the opposite. I arrived an hour before the procedure as requested. First red flag was being taken to the dressing room and having the staff mix up my charts with others more than once. Taken to the bed and left there for almost two hours without a response until I asked what was happening.
Almost every word can be heard through curtains, a direct violation of HIPAA laws and they were behind due to a training and lunch being conducted.
Dr. Edelman was brusque. I never went to sleep and felt pain for such I said «Ouch» and he would say the procedure is almost over, rather than increase the pain medication. I felt because they were behind they rushed through.
I am sore and won’t go back. I will let my general practitioner know too.

This review is not about the actual endoscopy center; it has to do with their incompetent, rude, disrespectful and non compassionate group of medical billers. I have never experienced a group of women (Brandy, Crystal (Manager) and Sarah (Supervisor))who have been so rude when dealing with a patient in regards to a medical bill. I Finally spoke to the supervisor, Sarah who could careless about the situation my family was experiencing. I highly recommend anymore needing a procedure to GO ELSEWHERE, DO NOT GO TO PEC. If you cannot pay their fees Immediatley they will threaten to turn you to collections. This is a tough world we live in financially and everyone is struggling, they don’t seem to care about that though. I am so sadden by the medical billing company (Pacific Medical Management) that it has put an extremely bad taste in my mouth and I have told our family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to not go to PEC because of their billing management company.
Adding to the got mess of a team over at Pacific Medical Management…
Spoke with Kim this morning and apparently her computer was not working properly and had to have a coworker check to make sure my payment was received; guess who that coworker was… Crystal. Huh, the «manager» I originally spoke to. I also asked why statements have not been received and she verified my address yet nothing has been received. I told Kim that I signed up to have my statements sent via email. She said they cannot send statements through email. Wow, this is evidence that they have no clue what they are doing. I told Kim that information on their gatewayedi program needs to be looked at and changed because it is misleading to patients who pay online. She said she mentioned it to her manager… Sarah, whom it is the worst of them all. She’s suppose to be the Supervisor in charge. I can’t wait until I’m done with these…

First ever colonoscopy (routine as my GP suggested one now that I am 50). Easy to get an appointment, good pre-​procedure instructions. The stuff you have to drink is nasty, and the instructions don’t really warn you specifically that you should stay within 10 steps of the bathroom for the entire night and you won’t get much sleep, but other than that they were pretty good. The facility is modern and the techs were really friendly and happy to explain anything. They gave me a warm blanket which was nice as I get cold easily. When they took my gurney back to the room where they do the procedure, I met Dr. Nickowitz, who was very reassuring. He started the sedation and within a minute I was out. Don’t remember a thing until I woke up back in the recovery area. They gave me the results and some pictures of a part of my body I don’t really need to see. Definitely need a friend to drive you home after, and you will likely be pretty hungry. I slept for 4 hours immediately after eating.

To the front desk staff, the nurses, the doctor, anesthesiologist, and O.R. support staff — thank you for a great endoscopy experience. I was treated with kindness throughout. Very human staff who are great with their patients.
To those shy about passing gas in front of others — don’t sweat. The recovery room is a large open room with each patient housed behind a curtain. Still private enough. And don’t worry about letting them rip. It’s natural and because you’ve been fasting for your procedure, there’s no odor.
Proud farter. You can be one too.

I can’t say enough good things about the doctors and staff. Compassionate and professional is how I describe everyone there. I knew I was in good hands and they took great care of me. Big thank you to Adrianna who got the IV in effortless (and I’m petrified of needles!) and to the anesthesiologist whose compassion and professionalism really made me feel safe and comfortable. And of course to Dr. Yang and all the staff. I am thankful for medical professionals like you!

From the front desk to the back office, everyone’s been very prompt, cordial, and professional! Shout out to Lorraine who started my PIV with her eyed closed (yes, I’m a hard stick), kept me warm with two blankets while I wait for my doctor, also the techs and the RNs— Kim & Adrienne who took care of me during my procedure. Two thumbs up, you guys!

I have had 4 procedures here over the years. I like that the Center is close to where I live, right near the Huntington Memorial Hospital if there is ever a serious problem, and it is a less expensive option than going to a hospital. It’s reassuring that the Center’s focus is on just a few procedures, and they have literally performed thousands so they all really know what they’re doing. Anesthesia is always a concern, but here the amount and administration has always been perfect — just enough to be completely «out» during a procedure (no waking up during!) and waking up easily afterward with little if any after affect. It’s all very efficient without the feeling of an «assembly line»! The nurses and physician assistants in particular are outstanding. They are patient, comforting and have a great sense of humor which definitely helps to diffuse anxiety. Most of the time the doctors would talk to me briefly after the procedure about the results, and I was then given a written report that I could review later. I always receive a follow up call to see how I am feeling after the procedure. I do wish they had some kind of post procedure ride service patients could pay for if needed since usually one cannot be released to a taxi. It would also be helpful if perhaps all the paperwork one needs to sign upon arrival could be reviewed and signed on a day prior to the procedure. There was really no time to go over some of the more serious consent and possible risk forms.

Awwwww. Aren’t all those 5-​star reviews comforting? No, they are not. You deserve to know the REAL risks of the colonoscopy procedure, BEFORE you go in there, all dizzy from starving yourself for a day and a half.
Here is the ACTUAL language from one of the many papers they shove in front of you to sign at this facility, minutes before your colonoscopy:
«RISKS. I have been informed that there are significant risks associated with Colonoscopy with sedation/​analgesia such as, but not limited to,
[1] severe loss of blood which may require a blood transfusion,
[2] medication or allergic reactions,
[3] infection,
[4] stroke,
[5] sepsis (infection of the blood), and vein phlebitis (irritation of the vein),
[6] perforation (which is poking or burning a hole in an organ),
[8] irregular heartbeat,
[9] abnormal breathing,
[10] aspiration pneumonia, and
[11] complications related to other diseases I may have…»
Whew! But wait! There’s more!
[12] «Colonoscopy…carries with it an inherent risk of diagnostic error (missing something).
[13] Intestinal perforation may occur requiring surgical intervention.
[14] Cardiac arrest that can lead to partial or permanent disability or death is a risk…
[15] Respiratory arrest is a known risk of moderate sedation analgesia…»
[Numbering and paragraphs have been added. In the original, all of the above are mushed together in one easy-to-skim-over-when-you’re-starving-and-dehydrated paragraph.]
So, WOW! Perforation?! Severe bleeding!!! Infection?!? Cardiac arrest!!! DEATH??? Did you know you were undertaking all those risks with a colonoscopy!!!
Patients themselves are also reporting digestional upset, diverticulitis, etc., days, weeks, months after their colonoscopy; although the later these begin, the less likely they are to be actually resulting from the procedure.
If you’re around 50, your risk of developing colon cancer in the next 20 years is around 1%. If you’re closer to 60, it’s about 2%. [A bit more for men, a bit less for women.] Your overall risk of a serious complication of the colonoscopy is about 0.5%. You can go in there, perfectly healthy, and they can seriously mess you up. THINK LONG AND HARD about whether the risks are worth it to you, BEFORE you go.
Also, according to the gastroenterologist peer group studies, they miss actual cancers with the colonoscopy about 17% of the time. [ If you want to read the full technical assessment of the risks, go here for a sobering report by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy:
].
Now, maybe this facility and the doctors who use it are perfect, and never have any complications. But there is no way to know; so we must assume their rate of complications is average One thing that IS known, is that doctors make a lot of money from this procedure. The more, the merrier.
Just know that there are other tests, both current and in the works, with far less risk and discomfort for you. With the current colonoscopy fad, the doctor’s oath to «Do no harm» has apparently been watered down to «Try to do more good than harm.» Not an improvement, from the patient’s perspective.
So while it’s nice that this facility is clean and efficient, the staff are friendly, they «hold your hand» etc., it might be better not to undertake all of these unnecessary risks in the first place.
Don’t do it just because your family doctor, or dentist, or brother-​in-​law, or friend, or the media, says you «should.» Do more research; and make an INFORMED decision of your own.

This is the second time that I have had my colonoscopy performed at the Pasadena Endoscopy Center by Dr. Casey Fu. I had the same procedure performed at the center 5 years ago. I have to say that I was so pleasantly surprised that the service there from start to finish had not changed; it was exceptional. Each staff member of the facility greeted you by your name and provided you their name. Even though I did have some anxiety about the procedure, each staff members friendly conversation helped to ease my anxiety.
This center is extremely efficient, with a team of staff members continually gathering information and vital information before the procedure. Each staff member had a specific task to perform and all of them were so friendly and efficient, working together as one team to get you through this process.

The treatment and professionalism from this facility is exceptional! It almost feels you are going into getting a spa treatment (until you remember you’re not!).
First, you sign in and a staff member takes you to a changing room where they provide you with fresh dressing gown and socks. Afterwards, they take you to your bed where a doctor asks you/​confirms your medical history and places monitors and an IV into your body. I hate needles, but the nurses here are very well trained and comforting.
There was a previous reviewer that cited the lack of privacy, I did not experience that. They have a curtain that encircles every bed and people are lying down… so unless someone is sitting up and pulling the curtain open, no other patients really see you.
The facility is very clean and so are the beds and sheets. They usually have some upbeat/​calming (but not pop) music playing to help you feel relaxed. Its on a low volume so its not too disruptive. As you are waiting for your turn to go into the procedure room, the staff checks on you several times to makes sure you are comfortable and warm. If you are cold, they provide you with these very cozy warm blankets :)
The actual procedure is nothing. I 100% believe the prep drink you need to drink before you arrive at the facility is the worst part of the whole thing. When you are wheeled into the room, there is the doctor, nurse, and technician. They make sure you are comfortable, lay you on your side and put in the drugs into your IV to put you into a nice/​comfortable sleep. I never feel a thing and always fall asleep. Then next thing you know you wake up in the recovery room. They usually call the person that is supposed to pick you up when you’re asleep so once you wake up they are already there. The nurse will offer you a beverage (you will want it since you haven’t eaten in 24 hrs!) and let you take your time in getting up. They always encourage you to pass gas… which I definitely recommend (even if its after you leave), because you might experience some stomach discomfort if you don’t.

Just had my first colonoscopy at this facility. They were friendly, helpful, and well-​organized. Arrived at 7AM for my 8AM procedure and was out by 9AM. They took a good medical history before the procedure, explained well what would happen, and then provided great follow-​up before being picked up by my ride home. The comments below that the facility is a bit of endoscopic/​conlonscopic «factory» is not a a problem for me as I prefer to have procedures done at a facility that specializes in the procedure itself. This beats the old school way of going to a general hospital and the additional delays of getting through the larger bureaucracy of those facilities. Fortunately will not have to go back for another in 10 years (the prep is worst than the procedure), but I would advise anyone in the Pasadena area needing this procedure to feel comfortable going there.

I had my first ever colonoscopy done today by Dr Soltani at Pasadena Endoscopy Center. Being a healthcare provider who practices a mile away I was impressed by their efficiency and high quality of care. From the time of check-​in to release from the center everything was explained thoroughly. I had heard horror stories about the procedure but my experience was far from it. Everything went smoothly and I was out in 30 minutes. Even the Anesthesia did not keep me from enjoying the rest of my day.
My overall experience was excellent and I highly recommend this center.

Had my procedure yesterday. Felt comfortable from check-​in to departure. Every single employee I came in contact with was friendly and helpful. Being in the medical field with it’s own surgical center, I probably take notice of things more acutely, and I was impressed. Clean, on time and professional. Dr. Nickowitz is superb! Having been here a number of times over the years to drop off and pick up family members and friends, I’ve not heard of any negative experiences.

I hated this place. Will never go back. There is very little privacy, the beds are separated by a thin curtain in a room full of patients waiting to go in or who are already out and farting loudly. Did not like walking to gurney from dressing room in flimsy gown. It seemed like a factory and they are very eager to boot you out that back door so they can fill your bed. I was appalled to be awake during the procedure with their ‘twilight sleep.’ I found the staff to be brusque. I shudder every time I pass by that building.
Much prefer the GI unit at Huntington Hospital. No sitting in a waiting room, patients taken directly to a private room for prep and recovery. MD anesthesiologists there to administer general anesthesia instead of the awful versed used at Pasadena Endoscopy.

Very professional, efficient, clean and friendly. Nurses and techs were great. I went to the center quite early so my procedure began quickly with very little wait.
Many doctors work from this center so your actual colonoscopy /​endoscopy depends on the doctor you are affiliated with.

Strangely, the colonoscopy process didn’t freak me out as much as the prospect of receiving an IV and going through twilight sleep. (Know that I abhor needles. The thought of getting pricked for shots or blood work makes me want to roil in convulsions while I safely cradle my defenseless arms. Also, the thought of losing control through sedation frightened me.)
Here is everything I wish I had known about colonoscopies at Pasadena Endoscopy Center before having come here for one.
PREP AT HOME: If you have questions about how to take your cleanse — even during office off-​hours — call the front desk which will turn into a call service for a nurse on duty; desk the phone number is on the paperwork they mail home to you.
PREP IN THE OFFICE: After you sign in, a nice front desk lady will proceed to make you sign your life away in a slew of paperwork. She will then usher you into a back room where you will be asked to remove your clothes (they give you a bag for your shoes and one for your clothes which I thought was courteous), and asked to put on footsie socks along with a blue robe. When you are packed and ready, there is a black button on the wall you will push to summon a nurse who will take your gurney. For me, the horror began at this point. I knew the needle was coming and that I had entered my own personal no man’s land: I’ve never had surgery and there was a room full of 20 or so beds divided by cloth curtains… all of us waiting for the inevitable. It’s a veritable colonoscopy factory! Although it was unnerving to see all those stretchers in close quarters, in a way it brought me a twisted sense of comfort knowing that this procedure is so routine here.
THE IV: A friendly nurse greeted me, had me lay down on the gurney, and placed a warm blanket on my body. That was a nice touch because it was a damnably cold morning. I am not ashamed to say that my legs were literally trembling and my eyes were watering up with tears of fright about the cursed IV. Another friendly nurse showed up and started asking me questions about my medical history, while the first friendly nurse put a tourniquet on my upper arm and asked me to squeeze my right fist so that she could easily locate my vein. Another friendly nurse showed up and I unabashedly asked if I could hold her hand while the IV was placed in my arm. She kindly obliged me, afterward handing me a magazine so that I could relax while I waited for the procedure to begin. I asked the IV nurse how long it would be before I passed out. She told me that sedation doesn’t take place until I am wheeled to the procedure room. In tote, three nurses prepared me for the procedure and after 20 minutes or so of mentally struggling with the fact that there was a needle in my arm (!!!), I was carted away to a private room where the procedure took place.
THE PROCEDURE AND SEDATION: As I lay on a stretcher in a private room, Dr. Casey Fu and her two assistants walked in and greeted me. Again, all were friendly which is a bonus. Despite this, I was really nervous about what was going to happen… and openly saying so. I get this way when I need information and feel I am not getting it. I was hoping that saying I was nervous would start a conversation that would reveal things to come. I’m fairly certain I only succeeded only in having the nurse provide more sedation… One of the assistant nurses took a minute to review my information verbally, while the other injected the twilight sleep needle into the IV tube. (Good thing too… I thought for a frantic minute that those two needles were going to end up somewhere further up my arm.)
I remember nothing about the procedure from this point. I vaguely remember talking to the doctor afterward; she showed me a printed procedure report complete with color pictures of the highlights of her journey through my large intestine. After that, time lapses forward and I have my clothes on making my way out the back entrance to the car with my husband’s help.
HOW THE SPA HELPED ME: I am surprised that I dealt with walking up and remembering very little so well. I think many trips to spas helped me deal with it because I’ve often fallen asleep during a massage. I trust those people because they are professionals. The same was true today with Dr. Casey and her staff. If you want to know more about Dr. Casey, read my Unilocal review about her.
POST PROCEDURE: I hadn’t eaten in a while nor had I had any water since the evening before. My husband and I went to breakfast locally (lot’s of good breakfast places in Pasadena) and we are going to wait a week for lab results to come in.
My heart goes out to you if you are trepidatious about about having a colonoscopy done. It IS a good idea and I imagine the last thing you’ll do when you get your procedure report is regret making this decision.
Best of luck as you overcome your demons.

Friendly staff, clean facility, negative diagnosis from my colonoscopy. What else could you ask for from an endoscopic facility?

Giving a 5 star review of a colonoscopy or endoscopy seems like a bit of an oxymoron, doesn’t it?
I went in for a procedure today — something I was not looking forward to. After being on a restricted diet, then fasting, then going through all the prep work, I was pretty uncomfortable and cranky. I was also nervous about the procedure itself.
From the minute I walked in the door, these folks were amazing. They were upbeat, helpful, sensitive, and maintained a sense of humor through the whole process. I mean, how often do you hear people laughing in a medical clinic?
As S.J. wrote, the facility is clean, well cared for, well equipped, and fully professional. While I would rather not have to go through this kind of testing procedure again, I can’t imagine a better place to have it done.

I had a colonoscopy at Pasadena Endoscopy Center today. The facility is clean, modern, well-​lit, and nicely decorated for fall. The whole process of check-​in and preparation for the procedure was handled very quickly, efficiently, and smoothly. Staff members seem to work well together in a coordianted effort to move many patients through this busy place. They are quite aware and respectful of the fact that you might be feeling a little icky after fasting for the previous 24+ hours.
There are many people on the staff. If you are cold, have a question, not feeling well, or whatever — they are right there to help in a friendly, knowledgeable way. Colonoscopies are not so great, but Dr. Soltain IS!